Sense and Sensibility – Character breakdown
Please note, the ages are for guidance only and are ACTING ages.
1. Elinor (Aged 19 in the Novel) *
A very large part. Elinor represents "sense" in this novel. Only nineteen, she is her mother's counsellor, able to influence her in the direction of prudence.She is deeply devoted to Marianne, but very different to her. She is cautious and keeps her self-control especially when she learns that Lucy has been secretly engaged to Edward and concludes that Edward felt only a youthful infatuation for her. However, when she learns that “Mr. Ferrars” is married, Elinor shows that she is not always the calm, collected girl she appears to be. Being capable of deep devotion, she is also able to love sincerely, and at the story's end her faith in Edward has been rewarded in their marriage and subsequent happiness. A strong determined, controlled character.
2. Marriane (Aged 16 in the Novel)*
Though probably intended as a caricature of the oversensitive heroine, Marianne is a character in her own right: She is sensible and clever, but eager in everything; showing no moderation in either her sorrows or her joys, She is amazed that Elinor could love the colourless Edward. At times, she is intolerant of the feelings of others, and says what is on her mind. She looks on Colonel Brandon as an old man, past romance, although he is only thirty-five (!) and falls headlong in love with the shallow Willoughby being blind to his faults. Once again a large, demanding part. Should have a pleasant singing voice.
3. Margaret (Aged 12 in the Novel) *
In the Novel, poor Margaret really gets the short shrift – her two older sisters always steal all of her thunder. However, in our adaptation Margaret is a deliciously naughty character, taking delight in dropping little bombshells and speaking with the innocence and naivety of youth – although sometimes we are left in doubt as to whether her comments are truly innocent!. She loves intervening in the matters of grownups and she can't wait to be one herself. Although Margaret shares her sister Marianne's romantic tendencies. one feels that she would be a leading light in the suffragette movement had she lived a century later. At the end of the play, there are hints of many more hijinks still in store. A large part.
4. Mrs Dashwood – The girls widowed Mother (Aged 40 – 60) *
A person of exaggerated sensibility, Mrs. Dashwood is likeable, with perfect manners and "a sweetness of address" which attracts everyone. She is devoted to her daughters and very proud of them. She sympathizes with Marianne, who is so like herself in temperament. She cannot understand Elinor's calmer temperament. Like Mariane She is captivated by Willoughby and is certain that he means to marry Marianne. Completely honest herself, she is deeply distressed by his subsequent behaviour. A medium – large part
5. John Dashwood- The girl’s half brother - Aged 30 – 40*
Mrs Dashwood’s stepson by her now dead husband’s first wife– he is the weak-minded and money-grubbing heir to the Norland estate. At his wife Fanny's suggestion, he leaves his mother and sisters with very little money and remains largely unconcerned for their welfare. A small – medium sized part
6. Fanny Dashwood – Mrs Dashwood’s shrewish sister-in-law (Age 25 – 30)*
The selfish, snobbish, and manipulative wife of John Dashwood and the sister of Edward and Robert Ferrars. Fanny is a greedy character. She doesn’t want John to give any money to his sisters, so that her son can inherit it all, and she cleverly persuades him out of giving his sisters any money. A bit of a social climber, Fanny is more concerned with wealth and status than love or character. She is horrified at any thought of a possible marriage betweenEdwardandElinor. A small - medium but delicious sized part
7. Sir John Middleton– Mrs Dashwood distant relative – aged 40 – 50*
The jovial but vulgar distant relation of the Dashwoods. He is very concerned about the plight of the women after John and Fanny Dashwood inherit Norland, leaving the women homeless and invites Mrs Dashwood and her three daughters to stay at Barton Cottage. He is kind and generous and jokes a lot with his mother-in-law Mrs Jennings. He enjoys throwing frequent parties and picnics and other gatherings to bring the young people together. He is described as being tall and good looking – but I will settle for a man! A medium sized, but a delicious-fun part
8. Mrs. Jennings Sir John Middleton's Mother in Law – aged 60 – 70*
The gossipy but well-intentioned mother-in-Law who invites the Dashwood sisters to stay with her in London and makes it her "project" to marry them off as soon as possible. She's a social butterfly, whose only joy in life is a good gossip; whether in London, Cleveland or Barton. Mrs. Jennings simplyhasto have a lot of friends, family, and guests to talk to. .She always has the best of intentions, even if she unwittingly puts her foot in her mouth all the time. – Medium to large part
9. Edward Ferrars- Fanny Dashwood’s older brother Aged 25 - 35
The sensible and friendly older brother of Fanny Dashwood and Robert Ferrars is not atallin control of his life. First, he was dominated since childhood by his bullying sister, Fanny, their uppity mother and his mean-spirited little brother, Edward seems to be the only tolerably human member of thefamily. It seems everyone has ambitions for him, except . Edward himself. He develops a close relationship with Elinor while staying at Norland But is concealing a four-year secret engagement to Lucy Steele. A large part
10. Colonel Brandon – the smouldering older hero – aged 35 – 40
Think Colin Firth - Still waters run deep with Colonel Brandon -. On the outside, he's a quiet guy – at 35, he's a bachelor approaching middle age, and he doesn't seem to have any family to speak of. He's dignified and well-to-do, but beyond that, we don't get much from first impressions. The Colonel appears to be rather dull to the insensitive eye, but beneath his tranquil surface, there's a whole lot going on.Should be good looking enough for us not to care how old he is! – A medium sized part
11. John Willoughby-A charming rougue Aged 25-35
Willoughby is one serious player. He's a major pick-up artist, and he seems to leave a trail of broken hearts wherever he goes. Before he met Marianne, his philosophy was love them and leave them and he did not feel bad about abandoning his lady friends). He's a real Casanova, and his charm works immediately on impressionable, romantic girls like Marianne. Even sensible Elinor is taken in by him for a An attractive but deceitful young man who wins Marianne Dashwood's heart but then abandons her (greedily) in favour of the wealthy Miss Sophia Grey. A – large part.
12. Lucy SteeleMrs. Jennings' cousin Aged 20 – 30 *
Mrs. Jennings' cousin seemingly naive, but is actually a sly, selfish, and insecure young woman. She has been secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars for four years but she ultimately marries his brother, Robert, once Edward is disinherited.- a small part
13. Miss Sophia Grey- A wealthy heiress aged 20-35
Willoughby marries Miss Grey for her money after abandoning Marianne. She is haughty – which comes with being wealthy and not particularly good looking. A small part
Smaller parts that could be doubled if necessary:
14. Mr Dashwood
15. Thomas – the faithful retainer – rather past his sell-by date
Fiercely loyal to the Dashwoods. But always tries to impress important guests.
16. Mr Perks - A snooty servant
17. Doctor Harris
18. Robert Ferrars–Edward & Fanny’s mean spirited younger brother Aged 20-30
A conceited coxcomb and the younger brother of Edward and Fanny. Robert inherits his mother's fortune after she disinherits Edward. Ironically, he ultimately marries Lucy Steele, even though it was Edward's engagement to this same woman that caused his mother to disinherit him .A tiny part